We're big fans of all types of bangs here at Who What Wear. Side bangs, wispy bangs, French-girl bangs… If you have bangs, you can bet good money we're drooling over them. That said, if we had to choose an absolute favorite, the oh-so-beloved curtain bang just might be our crowning glory. Not only is curtain-inspired fringe à la the '70s one of the trendiest trends to reemerge in this decade (it made a resurgence last year, and we predict it will have legs well into 2021 and 2022), but it's also, comparatively, one of the most low-maintenance and versatile bang styles one can test-drive. Afraid to dive headfirst into the sea of major bang moments? Curtain bangs are the perfect gateway thanks to the leeway they offer in terms of styling and commitment.
Curtain bangs are soft, flowy, and longer than more traditional styles of fringe or bangs that sit at or above the brow, explains celebrity hairstylist David Lopez. Curtain bangs gently split open in the center, and they sit just along the cheekbones. Unless you have super-coily or textured hair, they're wearable for almost any length or hair type.
Not only are curtain bangs chic and beautiful in their own right, but they also have the added benefit of immediately elevating the look of ponytails or messy buns. Lopez notes they can even give the face a subtle slimming effect (if you're into that) since they simultaneously open up the eye area and hug in your cheekbones. Of course, like any specific haircut, getting used to and styling curtain bangs can take some training and patience. If you have your sights set on the chop or if you've already taken the plunge and are in need of some pro-level styling tips, don't fret. Below, Lopez is sharing his six top curtain bang–centric styling tips along with the must-have products you'll need to deck out your new routine. Keep scrolling!
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Anyone with a cowlick knows the next-level mischief it can cause when styling your strands, especially when bangs and/or face-framing layers are involved. Luckily, curtain bangs can still be 100% wearable if you have a cowlick. You just may have to reorder your styling routine. For instance, Lopez recommends tackling your fringe first and foremost if you're working with curtain bangs and a cowlick.
If you have a strong cowlick, style your bang area first, directs Lopez. This allows you to control the final shape of your curtain bangs before they're completely dry, and it will save you the headache of having to try and manipulate the shape too much.
To get more control and to ensure your curtain bangs reach their maximum potential in the smoothness and shine departments, Lopez recommends reaching for your hair dryer's concentrator attachment for pro-level styling and to help direct the airflow exactly where you want it.
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I love using the T3 Fit Compact Hair Dryer with the concentrator, and I push the bangs back and forth and from side to side as they dry to create a loose, flowy parting, he adds. For the record, most dryers come with the concentrator attachment, but they're also sold separately if you've lost yours or have a different model.
If you don't already own a set of creaseless clips, we highly recommend making the investment. They're a must-have in every pro stylist's kit, and Lopez says they're one of the best-kept secrets for keeping the shape and style of your curtain bangs on lock.
Pinch your bangs together right at your hairline, set with a clip, and swoop each side out to create a 'C' curtain shape before gently clipping those ends as well, says Lopez. Allow it to set for a couple of minutes and then release.
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Sorry, but to really get the right style and shape of your curtain bangs, simply air-drying or breezing through with a haphazard rough dry
Blow-dry your hair toward your face and then toward the floor, explains Lopez. Once your hair is dry and you push it back, it will create a nice curtain swoop.
Getting the hang of blowing out your entire head of hair with a round brush is hard with a capital H. (Hair dryer brushes can help!) But luckily, getting the hang of the practice just on your
Why Curtain Bangs Are The Season's Biggest Staple
Is a tad easier to master. Oh, and according to Lopez, your blow-drying need not be the bicep workout of your worst nightmares.
If you're using a round brush to smooth out your fringe, direct and roll the brush down toward the floor without raising your arms up, Lopez tells us. This will help create that really pretty curtain bounce.
This might be obvious, but trying out a new bang MO is not the time to test your snipping skills at home. Definitely leave your new curtain bangs to a stylist you trust, and don't forget to bring some photo examples of what you like
Curtain Bangs Have Taken Over—here Are The Best Styling Tips
If you want to ask your stylist for curtain bangs, my best advice is to show your stylist a photo of bangs or a fringe you like, says Lopez. Your stylist might have to adjust the length or thickness depending on the density of your hairline, but having a clear visual guide of what you're looking for will help the most.
Oh, and if you're too unsure to dive all the way in at the salon, natural-looking clip-ins are an easy way to dip just one toe into the curtain-bang waters! Fringe curious? Listen up. There’s no doubt that getting a fringe cut in is risky business—but it's also a great way to switch things up when you don't want to dye your hair or remove length. Whereas in recent years, blunt, full fringes were all we could talk about, now's the time to adopt an easier, lower-maintenance fringe approach for 2023.
It's actually a great time to be considering a fringe, because there’s a new fringe on the block that allows you to reap the face-framing benefits of a classic fringe without the upkeep. Taking inspiration from the iconic Bardot fringe, and in line with the current trend for retro '70s waves, the curtain fringe is set to be
Curtain Fringe Is This Season's Most Versatile Trend
News. Cut with shape so that it curves and frames the face, the curtain fringe is easily parted to create a chic, easy look, even as it grows out. And the best bit is it can be tweaked for every hair type and style, and suits every face shape. Whether you want to embrace long, tousled grow-out or voluminous, bouncy bangs, keep scrolling for 20 curtain fringe styles (plus the best styling products for the job) that will provide all of the 2023 hair inspo you need.
A blunt curtain fringe is the perfect way to take weight out of thicker styles, keeping things soft and low-maintenance at the same time.
Take style notes from Brigitte Bardot and opt for a thick, super-glam style. Use a hot brush or hair straighteners to create the perfect winged finish.
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If your hair is naturally fine and straight, this laid-back look proves a curtain fringe could be just what you need to add some shape.
Worried about having to style your hair every morning? Fear not, for the curtain fringe looks just as great thrown up into a clip as it does blow-dried.
If you're a die-hard full-fringe kind of gal, take notes from Jameela Jamil and part it ever so slightly in the middle if it starts getting too long.
Stunning Hairstyles With Curly Curtain Bangs
Don't go thinking that a curtain fringe will limit your styling possibilities. This half-up, half-down style proves it's one of the most versatile hair trends out there.
Create blown-out bangs with this super-easy hot brush. Simply brush the fringe up over the head and away from the face for a voluminous finish.
Whether you want to smooth, curl, or just give your fringe some serious bounce, this next-level tool is worth all of the hype. If you hate the idea of having to do something with your fringe every morning, the Airwrap makes daily styling a breeze.
How To: Long Curtain Fringe
If you heat style your hair every day and are worried that chopping into strands might risk damaging them, these GHDs use special technology to minimise heat damage.
If your hair is prone to tangling with extra layers, this no-fuss conditioner gets lengths sleek and full of moisture in no time.
If your hair is fine and you want to give it more lift and life, this ultra-fine mist gives tired strands everything they need without weighing them down.Also called curtain fringes, those slightly long, soft and swept to each side bangs that look so damn effortless and cool. But be warned, they’re not for everyone. So, before you commit to the cut, here’s everything you need to know.
Curtain Bangs Are The Moment
From which face shapes and hair types suit curtain fringes the best, to the maintenance this trending style needs, keep scrolling to learn about the fringe du jour and whether you and your mane are ready to take the leap.
Bad luck to those who committed to a bob already, as John Pulitano, Creative Director at Headcase Hair, says the style works best on medium-length and long-length hair.
“[It can’t be] too short as you need a more rectangular silhouette to make it work. Too short gives more of a square silhouette, which doesn’t look so good, ” he tells Marie Claire.
Waterfall Fringe Is Like The Shaggy, '70s Inspired Sister To Curtain Bangs
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